Time is running out to experience a rare glimpse into Iron Age opulence at the Hungarian National Museum's Széchenyi Hall. The special exhibition titled "Elit és Ragyogás: Kora vaskori ékszerek Somlótól Hallstattig"—translated as "Age of Elite and Brilliance: Early Iron Age Jewellery from Somló to Hallstatt"—is set to conclude on May 2, 2025.​

At the heart of the exhibition lies a breathtaking gold necklace discovered in the summer of 2024 on Somló Hill, a volcanic formation in western Hungary, near Lake Balaton. This 3,000-year-old artifact was found nestled within a clay vessel alongside thousands of bronze items, including rings, beads, and spirals. Experts believe the necklace belonged to a woman of high status from the Urnfield culture, a late Bronze Age society known for its cremation burials and distinctive metalwork. ​

The exhibition also explores connections to Hallstatt, a town in the Austrian Alps renowned for its Iron Age archaeological significance. Artifacts from Hallstatt's cemetery, including ornate fibulae (ancient brooches) and ceremonial items, highlight the shared craftsmanship and cultural ties between these regions during the early Iron Age. ​

This historical exhibition is a great fit for the first leg of the long Labout Day weekend (May 1-4), and the admission is Included with museum entry ticket. Exhibition materials are available in Hungarian; English descriptions are provided for key exhibits 

Cover photo credit: Hungarian National Museum